On August 12, 2020, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactured two Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) have been deployed for operations at high altitude (Leh, Ladakh sector) to support Indian Air Force (IAF) missions amid prevailing situation on the India-China border.
- Notably, the twin engine LCH is the lightest attack helicopter in the world designed and developed by HAL to meet the specific and unique requirements of Indian Armed Forces under the “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
Key Points:
-LCH is capable of hitting any type of target by day or night with an ability to carry adequate weapon load at high altitudes under varied conditions.
-The other features of LCH include its ability to operate in the complete Area of Responsibility (AOR) and altitudes.
-LCH is equipped with 70mm rockets and a chin-mounted cannon.
-The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved the proposal for initial batch of 15 LCHs.HAL is expecting an order for 15 LCHs by the year-end, 10 for the IAF and five for the army. The IAF and the army together need 160 LCHs.
Recent Related News:
On July 2, 2020, DAC approved the proposal for procurement of 33 fighter jets including 21 MIG-29 and 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft along with upgradation of existing 59 MIG-29 aircraft. The MIG 29 procurement and upgradation from Russia is estimated to cost around Rs 7,418 crore while Su-30 MKI will be procured from HAL, India at an estimated cost of Rs 10,730 crore.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)– R Madhavan
Headquarter– Bengaluru, Karnataka
